Albanian Voices

Ashley Elizabeth Wood. Posted in Постколониални изследвания

“The true history of mankind will be written only when Albanians participate in its writing.” This statement is as true today as it was in 20th century when the Austrian linguist Maximilian Lambertz said it. The interest in Albania that led to the creation of this project was due to the presence of and assistance by Albanians in a time of dire need. Awestruck by the history of the Illyrians, their language and the lack of that information that had been present about all of it in most U.S. formal education, one of the aims of Project Albanian Voices is to shed light on aspects of the Albanian culture that are positive (not to portray them as Hollywood villains). So, the goal of this project is to focus on the aspects of Albanian culture that are positive and inspirational. One motivational aspect of Albanian culture is the history of how they have defended their homeland from a multitude of antagonistic invaders, saved it from multiple wars and tolerated almost constant political instability. These stories about the necessity for migration, be it due to economic factors, deportation or blood-feuds are harrowing and exhilarating. The tales of bravery in the face of adversity are truly overwhelming and inspirational.